By Donna Campbell
Racing this last week on Wednesday with a fantastic turnout for the Darlington Rocket rung which is part of the Darlington Trail Series.
This race takes place in Middleton St George and offers a mix of terrain from tarmac to woodland.
The start and finish is fast and flat but the middle 1.25 miles is 2 laps of an uneven field section which makes it tougher and more of a challenge.
Richard Holland was first home for ARC in 20.49, followed by Mark Bainbridge 22.18, Dave Blewitt 22.45, John Burnside 23.40, Sue Milburn 25.56, Heather Morgan 26.03, John Heywood 26.26, Trish Kay 26.42, John Richardson 27.24, Rob Nicholson 27.38, Sarah Gill 28.33, Mandy Heywood 29.52, Melanie Rowland 31.42, Sam Elwell 32.29, jane Burnside 34.12, Susan Clark 34.47, Eve Doe 37.13 and Jan McLuckie 37.14.
On Saturday night five members travelled to Lancashire to take part in Run the Lights in Blackpool (pictured above).
These races were 5k and 10k (out and back) commencing at 9p.m. and saw the runners run the promenade under the illuminations. In the 5k race, Nicola Ingman finished in 29.44 followed by Sam Baronowski in 34.19.
In the 10k races Mark Bainbridge was first home in 43.32, followed by Heather Morgan in 49.45 and John Richardson in 53.11.
On Sunday we had one member take the trip to the eastern coast for the Branches and Bays 10k part of the Trail Outlaws Series.
Starting in the local village of Hawthorn, the route takes you through the Durham Wildlife Trust and National Trust managed woodland of Hawthorn Dene.
Then the running of the Bays of Hawthorn Hive and The Blast Beach. Carley Gibson completed this in 1.21.19.
Finally on Sunday three of our members took part in the 10k at Dalton Park.
This races takes in the shopping outlet there and the surrounding areas. Most of this race is on road but there are short sections on trail and grass. Although it was dry it was very windy which made conditions difficult.
First home for ARC was Trish Kay in 51.19. Trish finished 7th lady overall and first in her age category. She was followed by Lisa Dowell in 1.13.39 and Jan McLuckie in 1.13.40.
For anyone interested in joining the club, you can simply turn up at one of our sessions all of which start from the Oakleaf Complex in Newton Aycliffe. Monday night is beginners run at 6.30pm, Tuesday is endurance/speed session from 7pm, and Thursday is a track session and this takes place at Shildon Track.
Further details can be found on our website or facebook pages or alternatively you can message the club via facebook for more information.
